Pro-choice Group Hails State Leaders for Womens’ Rights Stances

NARAL Pro-Choice New York released a statement Thursday crediting the governor and the new Legislature with making women’s rights a priority.

The group also calls for the passage of the Reproductive Health Act, which would codify a woman’s right to have an abortion and allows a woman to elect for one if the pregnancy endangers her health, regardless of how late in the pregnancy the health issue arises.

“The November election showed that women’s reproductive rights were an issue that influenced the electorate, turned out voters, and ultimately shaped the election. We are heartened to see that key leaders in Albany seem to have gotten that message loud and clear,” Andrea Miller, NARAL president, said in a statement.

“In recent statements, leaders across party lines have recognized the need to protect and advance women’s reproductive rights,” she continued.

“The Governor listed a woman’s right to choose as one of his litmus test issues in supporting the coalition government. Senator Michael Gianaris, Chair of Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, credited women’s issues such as reproductive rights as spurring victory for pro-choice Democratic candidates. Senator Tom Libous, Chair of Senate Republican Campaign Committee, also acknowledged that it’s time for his conference to develop a ‘pro-woman agenda.’ And Senator Jeff Klein, head of the Independent Democratic Conference, has repeatedly said he believes that a coalition government can and should pass crucial reproductive rights legislation.

“The voters have spoken. If leaders in Albany have truly heard that call, they should act as soon as possible to pass the Reproductive Health Act.”

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Jon Campbell has been covering government and politics for the Gannett Albany Bureau since May 2011. Previously, he covered health and environmental issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin in Binghamton, N.Y., with a focus on natural gas development in the Marcellus Shale.

Joseph Spector is Gannett Albany Bureau chief and has covered New York politics and government since 2002. He was the political reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle and has since joined the Albany Bureau, covering state government for all of Gannett New York.

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